Many thanks to former WRGB Channel 6 CBS Reporter/Anchor Jack Aernecke and Videographer Ed Curley for finding this gem of history in the WRGB archive library.
In 1992 the two of them were invited to join the newly-formed Albany-Tula Alliance in Tula, Russia for several days. They produced this wonderful show for air in 1992 and several news stories.
As Aernecke puts it, “The aim of the trip was to formalize the sister city relationship. The delegation was led by Ray Joyce, the retired treasurer of the city of Albany and delegation members encompassed a variety of disciplines, including education, business, the arts and so on. The goal Ed and I had during the four days was to paint a picture of life in Tula, to give folks in the Capital District a look at life in a country that, until a short time earlier, had been our mortal enemy. The goal of the various members of the delegation was to find ways to interact through education, business, the arts etc. so that the movement started with so much bravery on the part of so many Russians would continue to grow through the relationships first started with the Albany-Tula Alliance.”
Clearly, much has changed since the early days of democracy in Russia. Economic, Social and Educational improvements being at the top of the list.
One thing that has remained a constant over the past 20 years is the hospitality and generosity of our Tulan friends. We are immeasurably grateful for what they have shared and shown us and our friendship grows stronger ever year.
Great to see this up! Gives a good sense of the history, and how things have changed for the better. I posted to Facebook and Twitter.